Keep on at sb Meaning, Examples & How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Keep on at sb” Mean?

“Keep on at sb” means to repeatedly criticize, remind, or annoy someone about something. It often suggests persistent nagging or urging.

Introduction

The phrase “keep on at sb” is a common English phrasal verb used to describe the act of continually bothering or reminding someone about a particular issue. The “sb” stands for “somebody,” meaning the person who is being targeted. Understanding the keep on at sb meaning is important for learners because it appears often in everyday conversations, especially when describing situations where one person is persistently urging another. This phrase can be used in both casual and formal contexts, often with a slightly negative tone since it implies repeated pressure or annoyance. Knowing how to use it correctly will help you express frustration, encouragement, or concern in a natural way.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Keep on at somebody
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To repeatedly bother or nag someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Keep on at sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb, which means you cannot place the object between “keep on” and “at.” The structure is always:

• Keep on at + somebody

Examples of correct patterns:

• She keeps on at him about his homework.
• They kept on at me to finish the project early.

How to Use “Keep on at sb”?

You use “keep on at sb” when you want to describe someone who is persistently asking, reminding, or complaining to another person. It can express annoyance, encouragement, or concern, depending on context. Usually, it’s about repeated actions or words that someone finds irritating or hard to ignore.

For example, parents often keep on at their children to clean their rooms or study. Friends might keep on at each other about plans or responsibilities.

Examples

• My mother keeps on at me to eat more vegetables.
• He kept on at his colleague until the report was finished.
• Don’t keep on at her about the mistake; she knows already.
• The teacher keeps on at the students to do their homework on time.
• Why do you keep on at me about being late?

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: She keeps on him about his work. (Missing “at”)
• Correct: She keeps on at him about his work.
• Incorrect: Keep on at him it. (Object placed incorrectly)
• Correct: Keep on at him about it.

Differences / Synonyms

Keep on at sb vs Keep on sb: The phrase “keep on sb” without “at” is uncommon and usually incorrect in this context. Always include “at” when meaning to nag or bother.

Keep on at sb vs Nag sb: “Nag” is a direct verb meaning to annoy by repeated requests or reminders. “Keep on at sb” is less formal and often sounds more conversational.

Keep on at sb vs Bug sb: “Bug” means to annoy or bother but is more informal and can be one-time or repeated. “Keep on at sb” clearly emphasizes repeated action.

Common Collocations

• Keep on at someone about homework
• Keep on at someone about work
• Keep on at someone about chores
• Keep on at someone about mistakes
• Keep on at someone about deadlines

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of keep on at sb:

• Keep Up With Sth
• Keep Sth On Sb
• Keep Sth Down
• Keep An Eye On Sth
• Keep Sb Out Of Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Anna: Why do you look so annoyed?

Ben: My boss keeps on at me about finishing the report early.

Anna: That sounds stressful.

Ben: Yes, I wish he would stop keeping on at me all the time!

Practice

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase:

• My dad keeps _______ me _______ cleaning my room.
• She keeps _______ him _______ finishing his assignments.
• Don’t keep _______ her _______ the mistake she made.

Answers: on / at; on / at; on / at

FAQs

• Q: Can I say “keep on me” instead of “keep on at me”?
  A: No, “keep on me” is incorrect in this context. Always use “keep on at me.”
• Q: Is “keep on at sb” formal or informal?
  A: It is mostly informal but can be used in semi-formal speech.
• Q: Does “keep on at sb” always mean nagging?
  A: Usually yes, but it can also mean persistent encouragement.
• Q: Can “keep on at sb” be used in past tense?
  A: Yes, e.g., “She kept on at him yesterday.”
• Q: Is “sb” used in writing?
  A: “Sb” is an abbreviation meaning “somebody” and is used in dictionaries, not everyday writing.